Crispy Chilli Beef
	
		Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and crunchy dish featuring tender beef strips coated in a light, double-fried cornstarch batter and glazed with a bold, sweet, tangy, and spicy chilli sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe delivers a dynamic mix of textures and vibrant flavors that can be customized to suit any palate.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 35 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Course
 
							- Method: Frying
 
							- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Beef and Coating
- 500g lean beef strips (sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced)
 
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
 
- Salt and pepper, a pinch each
 
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
 
Chilli Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
 
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
 
- 1–2 teaspoons red chilli flakes or 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
 
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
 
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
 
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce as needed)
 
Garnish
- 2 spring onions, chopped
 
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Toss the slices in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to lightly coat and lock in moisture.
 
- Make the Crispy Coating: Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each beef strip thoroughly in this mixture to ensure a crispy exterior.
 
- Fry the Beef Twice: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry the beef strips in small batches for about 2 minutes until golden and just cooked; remove and drain on paper towels. Let rest briefly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the coating without overcooking the beef.
 
- Prepare the Chilli Sauce: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chillies until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Simmer gently to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
 
- Combine and Coat: Return the crispy beef to the pan with the sauce, tossing quickly to coat each piece evenly for juicy, spicy, and crisp bites.
 
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onions and optional toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or vegetables to enjoy the best texture and fresh flavors.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use cold beef to help the cornstarch adhere better for extra crispiness.
 
- Double-fry the beef to lock in crunch while keeping the meat tender.
 
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature, preventing sogginess.
 
- Adjust sauce consistency by thinning with water if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
 
- Fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies provide far better flavor than dried substitutes.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 400 kcal
 
							- Sugar: 8 g
 
							- Sodium: 700 mg
 
							- Fat: 20 g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 4 g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0 g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 18 g
 
							- Fiber: 1 g
 
							- Protein: 35 g
 
							- Cholesterol: 85 mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Crispy chilli beef, spicy beef recipe, crunchy beef stir-fry, homemade chilli beef, double fried beef, Asian beef dish, gluten free beef recipe